Do you also have the old vintage lock with the fancy skeleton key but can’t use it because it’s rusted? Or you lost the key and now can’t enter your room? Don’t worry we are here to help you out. In this article, we will give you a brief idea about how to pick a skeleton key lock.
What Is A Skeleton Key Lock?
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The type of days which can open many different locks are known as skeleton keys. They are made by hollowing and carving the centre. The empty structure then passes its way inside the lock and helps in opening many different locks. It’s not that difficult to unlock an antique lock.
A normal key has a particular style in which it is cut. Thus it works only for a particular lock. Skeleton keys on the other hand have the most part filed out. Hence, it can work with many different locks. Skeleton keys are also known as master keys or secure keys.
Steps To Pick A Skeleton Key Lock
1. Using A Paper Clip/Bobby Pin
Make sure only one-fourth part of the clip is inside the lock. Bend the remaining part straight in a way it forms a 90° angle. You can open locks of small items easily using a paper clip or a Bobby pin.
2. Using Allen Wrench
Take your Allen wrench and insert it inside the lock. Preferably insert a 3⁄32 inch (0.24 cm) Allen wrench. Press it tight from the part you are holding it.
b. Engage With The Lever
Engage with the lever and keep it in place. Hold it with the other hand, make sure you don’t lose it. If you do, you will have to readjust the wrench.
c. Insert The Second Wrench And Hook It With The First One
Insert the second wrench inside the hole while engaging with the lever. You can use a paperclip or a bobby pin as well. We are using two wrenches or pins to create a makeshift key.
d. Unlocking The Deadbolt
After insertion, start twisting the second Allen wrench in the clockwise direction. You would feel the resistance while turning the wrench. Keep twisting it till the deadbolt slides and unlocks.
e. Remove The Wrenches
Once you have unlocked the lock, remove the wrenches/ pins. As the deadbolt has been unlocked, the knob of the door can now be opened.
3. Using A Flat-Head Screw
The process is the same as of paper clip. The only difference will be that the flat head screw is not malleable so you won’t be able to bend it to form a handle. But they have inbuilt handles, so you just have to insert and twist.
Tools To Open Lock
1. Paper Clips
Paper clips are small and malleable. Therefore they can be a handy option to open small locks.
2. Coat Hangers
Coat hangers are t shaped and they can easily go into the hole and do the job
Bobby pins: bobby pins are thin and can easily enter the hole of a lock. They can also easily turn the deadlock hence opening the lock for you.
3. Allen Wrench
An Allen wrench is a tool that helps you to pick locks, especially skeleton locks. It is L-shaped and lightweight. We can use it to tighten many different screws.
Although a uniform single wrench can pick the majority of locks, you can also get different sizes. An Allen wrench is available in many sizes. Most common are 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, and ¼-inch.
Allen wrenches work well because of their angle structure. They have this 90 degrees structure, which makes it easier to pick the lock.
In case you don’t have an Allen wrench, a bobby pin or a paper clip can come handy. Just make sure they are malleable and strong. If the pin is not strong, it might break inside the lock and it will cause problems.
4. A Pair Of Gloves
Picking up a lock requires hand movements. Wearing gloves is recommended as rusty locks might end up giving you scratches.
They are also recommended if your hands are sweaty so that your hands don’t slip while performing the task. Wearing gloves will also avoid the risk of blisters in case the process gets prolonged.
5. Pliers
If you don’t have an Allen wrench and use a paper clip instead, you will be needing pliers. Paper clips are small in size, it will be inconvenient to pick the lock by them.
So you can use pliers to hold the paperclip from the base and use it as a handle.
6. Lubricant
Most of the locks need to be picked because the lock is old and gets rusty. So a lubricant is often required.
A penetrating lubricant can be used as it removes the layer of rust. It scrapes off the rust, fills the cracks, and then lubricates the insides. You can also use grease or oil or wax or dry lubricant to get the job done.
Benefits Of Lock
Skeleton key locks are used since time immemorial. Most of the vintage locks you see are skeleton locks. They have many benefits, such as:
- Skeleton keys can easily open a lock in a situation when the original key has been lost.
- In hotels and resorts, a skeleton key or a master key is used by the hotel staff to open all the rooms with one key
- In schools, a single master key is used by the school staff to lock the laboratories and classrooms. That key is also a skeleton lock key.
- Having a skeleton key eliminates inconveniences. Carrying numerous keys at a time can be hectic. Skeleton keys save time and make work convenient.
- In times of urgency, skeleton keys come handy. It saves time and increases efficiency.
- Skeleton keys are a lot cheaper than the electronic card system thus saving your money.
Final Talk
So the next time you are in a situation like this, no need to call your locksmith. You can pick the lock all by yourself. All you need is just a little work with a little patience. With patience, you can easily open your lock.
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